On 12 May 2026, partners from UNCAN-Connect and CANDLE jointly submitted a response to the European Commission Public Consultation on EHDS Dataset Descriptions (Article 77), contributing practical feedback on the development of federated cancer data ecosystems across Europe.
The consultation focused on the draft implementing regulation defining metadata requirements for dataset descriptions under the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Under the future EHDS framework, health data holders will be required to provide standardized dataset descriptions to Health Data Access Bodies (HDABs).
Uncan-Connect and CANDLE, welcomed the introduction of minimum metadata elements but also suggested some changes, most notably to the mandatory nature of certain metadata descriptions, as well as adding clarification regarding HealthDCAT-AP.
Through this joint contribution, UNCAN-Connect and CANDLE reaffirm their commitment to supporting the implementation of the European Health Data Space through practical, interoperable, and stakeholder-oriented approaches to health data sharing and governance. Both projects continue to contribute to strengthening secure and federated cancer research infrastructures that support collaboration, innovation, and data-driven healthcare across Europe.
The full joint response can be found here.